PWDs are welcome here

 

DUBAI --- The General Secretariat of The Executive Council of Dubai has announced the launch of the "Dubai Inclusive Development Forum" which will take place at Madinat Jumeirah between 11th-12th of October 2015.

The announcement was made in a press conference at Emirates Towers in the presence of select representatives of the Higher Committee for the Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, as well as local media.

Among attendees at the conference were Abdullah Al Shaibani, Secretary General of the Executive Council of Dubai and Vice Chairman of the Higher Committee for the Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; Khaled Al Kamda, Director General of the Community Development Authority and Member of the Higher Committee for the Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; Mr. Majid Al Osaimi, President of the Asian Paralympic Committee, Vice President of the UAE Disabled Sports Federation and Member of the Higher Committee for the Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; and Dr. Salem Alshafei, Director of Policies and Programs, Rights of Persons with Disabilities at the General Secretariat of Executive Council of Dubai.

The "Dubai Inclusive Development Forum" will be the first of its kind event in the Emirate. It is a key move to achieve the aim of the 'My Community' initiative in establishing Dubai as a fully inclusive, disability-friendly city by the year 2020. Joining together the efforts of all concerned authorities in Dubai is also central in providing important and essential services for persons with disabilities. We look forward to uncover future plans and steps that will be taken to take full advantage of the opportunities available, and overcome any obstacles that may stand in the way of persons with disabilities", said Abdullah Al Shaibani, Secretary General of The Executive Council of Dubai and Vice Chairman of the Higher Committee for the Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

In this regard, Al Shaibani pointed out the Law No. (2) Of 2014 on the Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in the Emirate of Dubai". Issued by Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the law aims to ensure that persons with disabilities enjoy all their rights, enhances their respect, preserves their dignity and protects them from all forms of discrimination or abuse, as well as highlighting their potential abilities in contributing to the development of the community.

He added, "Furthermore, the new law envisages cooperation among all authorities concerned in Dubai to provide persons with disabilities health care, habilitation and rehabilitation services and educational opportunities that are equal to those provided to their peers at all stages. The law further stipulates providing persons with disabilities public services, including the use of roads, public transport, and utility services, in addition to an accessible environment ensuring their easy integration and access within the community".

Shaibani stressed that H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, issued Law No. (3) of f 2014 on 'the establishment of the Higher Committee to protect the rights of persons with disabilities in the Emirate of Dubai, chaired by H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The law aims to implement the terms outlined and to supervise initiatives and activities being undertaken to protect the rights of persons with disabilities. Hence, we confirm that joining efforts of the concerned government authorities in implementing successful concrete projects, have markedly contributed in complementing previous and current laws. We reassure today that this initiative has so far gained great support within the community and this, in turn, reflects the broad community awareness on the important and active role that persons with disabilities play as individuals who can make positive change like their peers".

"My Community... A City for Everyone" initiative aims at providing equal opportunities to everyone in the community, including persons with disabilities. The initiative also strengthens social solidarity, cooperation and inclusive unity to best serve the community, thus eliminating all forms of discrimination or abuse, and eventually turning Dubai into a disability-friendly city that ensures proper nurturing, justice and equal opportunities" said Khaled Al Kamda, Director General of the Community Development Authority and Member of the Higher Committee for the Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

"The Dubai Inclusive Development Forum" is a platform for collective cooperation on five strategic pillars upon which the strategy for the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities is based, including: social protection, availing public services and utilities, employment, education, health, habilitation and rehabilitation. Hence, the Forum will offer the opportunity to shed light on international experiences in these areas. Additionally, organizing special workshops during the forum will help impart knowledge and discuss these challenges with select international speakers", added H.E. Khaled Al Kamda.

"We look forward to promoting our community's culture, and providing a flexible life with equal opportunity for all persons with a disability. It is our duty to provide proper alternatives to ensure they live their lives and become active in the community like every other person in our society. It is also our duty to eliminate that sense of pity and charity towards persons with disabilities that still exists in some segments of our society and replace it with empowerment and respect for all."

"I would like to thank H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council for all his efforts in establishing "My Community.. A City for Everyone" initiative and the Higher Committee for the Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, chaired by HH Sheikh Mansour Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum. These great efforts reflect the faith of our visionary leadership in persons with disabilities and their abilities to contribute in building our nation" said Mr. Majid Al Osaimi, President of the Asian Paralympic Committee, Vice President of the UAE Disabled Sports Federation and Member of the Higher Committee for the Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

"The people of the UAE have so far achieved a high level of awareness in recognizing the capabilities of persons with disabilities and are today increasingly involved in projects and collaborations with the concerned teams to implement bespoke policies and beneficial programs for persons with disabilities".

"The participation of persons with disabilities in such initial stages bolsters the success of these projects and programs. Through such steps, they can share insights and opinions based on their actual circumstances and practical needs. This complements our leaderships' vision in integrating persons with disabilities in the community and providing equal opportunities for them.

"We expect extensive participation from persons with disabilities in the initial stages to support the success of the programs and projects undertaken as they offer their opinions and thoughts on their own experiences and their needs. This in turns allows the successful implementation of the vision towards an inclusive society and the provision of equal rights for persons with disabilities in the society. We also expect extensive participation of persons with disabilities in the forum as a way for them and the various attending parties to exchange experiences and insights and benefit from the learnings of worldwide experiments. Our invited speakers will be discussing their experiences and sharing their knowledge in various fields which the relevant authorities should consider in their goals towards the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities".